A PhD position is available at the the Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Univesity of Bern, Switzerland.

The Institute is looking for a PhD candidate to work on a project combining genetic and ecological approaches for investigating the history and mechanisms of an ongoing Arion slug invasion. The project aims at the identification of invasion and colonization routes of the Spanish slug Arion lusitanicus that belongs to an Arion species complex, and to assess the effect of the invasive form on native relatives. The project will be mostly laboratory-based and involve marker development using high-throughput sequencing, Sanger sequencing, microsatellite genotyping, and also some fieldwork. At a later stage of the project, laboratory and field-based breeding and competition experiments will be used to investigate the mechanisms of the invasion.

They are seeking a highly-motivated, independent candidate with excellent organizational skills. The ideal candidate has a strong background in evolutionary biology, especially population genetics and phylogeography, experience with molecular laboratory work and data analysis, and interest in ecological interactions. Experience with bioinformatics is a plus but not essential. A degree equivalent to a biology diploma or M.Sc. and a valid driver’s license is required. Good knowledge of written and spoken English is expected. Some knowledge of German or French would be beneficial for living in Switzerland but it is not necessary. The working language in the institute is English.

You will be supervised by Gerald Heckel (population genetics) and Eva Knop (community ecology). The Institute offers a stimulating research environment with excellent facilities for laboratory work, computational analyses and ecological experiments. Information on the institute, the University of Bern, or life in general can be obtained from http://www.iee.unibe.ch.

The position is funded for three years (pending final approval), and the anticipated starting date is December 1st 2011 or soon thereafter. Please send your application including a letter outlining your past research, motivation for this position and specific experience (max. 2 pages), CV, list of publications (if available), abstract of Master or Diploma thesis and contact details of 2-3 referees in a single (!) pdf file to gerald.heckel@iee.unibe.ch.